Josephine Honaker Combs Alderson-Josephine “Jo” Honaker Combs, 82, formerly of Bandy, VA, and Hartwell, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at her home in Alderson, following a short illness. Born Oct. 19, 1932 in War, WV, she was the daughter of the late Willard and Julia Smith Honaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Pastor Phil E. Combs; son, Paul David Combs; daughter, Deanna Jo “Dee” Combs; and brother, Harold “Bay” Honaker. Mrs. Combs was a homemaker and a graduate of Big Creek High School, War. She was a member of the River of Life Church of God, Alderson, where she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. Combs loved to spend time with her family and her Church family. She was considered Mother of the Church and she will always be remembered for her undying Faith and dedicating her life to serving God. Survivors include: three sons, Phillip Combs and wife Cathie of Chilhowie, VA, David Combs and wife Rhonda of Fort Spring and Justin “Groundhog” Combs and wife Nicole of Raleigh, NC; two daughters, Karen Eckman and husband Mike of Johnson City, TN and Thressa Mitchell of Alderson; two brothers, Bob Honaker and wife Paulette of Ohio and Mike Honaker and wife Donna of Kentucky; five sisters, Delores Leffew of Georgia, Wanda Mills and husband Lee of Georgia, Janet Duncan of Georgia, Debbie VanDrie of Georgia and Cathy Thaler of Tennessee; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a great-grandchild due in May; many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 28, at the River of Life Church of God, Alderson, where Pastor Stewart Farley and Pastor Anthony Carter officiated. Burial was in Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, VA. Friends called Friday evening, Feb. 27, at the church and one hour prior to services on Saturday. Serving as pallbearers were the Men of the River of Life Church of God, Alderson. For those considering an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mrs. Combs can be made to the Pastor Phil Combs Building Fund for the River of Life Church of God, P.O. Box 548, Alderson, WV 24910 or at any City National Bank location. Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson.
